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Engineers present $1.1 million downtown accessibility and streetscape plan; council tables funding decision
Summary
Boss Engineering presented a Phase 1 design to address accessibility, pedestrian safety and stormwater in downtown Walled Lake, citing a Department of Justice accessibility finding; council members asked the DDA to review the design and tabled the $1.1 million funding resolution to the next meeting.
Boss Engineering gave a detailed update on the city's downtown improvement project, focusing on accessibility upgrades, pedestrian safety measures and stormwater improvements in the Pontiac Trail to Liberty Street corridor. The consultant described options evaluated earlier this year and recommended an option that removes steps, improves accessible routes and addresses a large coal chute discovered during the investigation.
Why it matters: The consultant said a Department of Justice letter had identified accessibility issues—crossing points, cross slopes, and step barriers—in the downtown core. The chosen option is intended to remove steps at several business entrances, add accessible parking and improve sidewalks and crossings to comply with accessibility requirements while also improving the downtown streetscape.
Key details: Patrick Clary of Boss Engineering recapped the design objectives and constraints and presented the option the team recommended. The recommended plan includes a two-foot terrace on the north side of East Walled Lake Drive, exposed-aggregate paving in terrace areas, updated lighting heads on existing poles, replacement street furniture and targeted structural work for the coal chute. The consultant estimated an overall project budget of $1,100,000, which includes final design, geotechnical and structural work, inspection and contingencies for bidding and inflation. The team said bidding is anticipated late this year or winter and construction is targeted for 2026.
Council action: A resolution to appropriate $1,100,000 (referred to in the meeting as "resolution 20 20 five-nineteen") was discussed but the council voted to table the item until the next meeting to allow the DDA to review the proposal and consider contributing from its fund balance. Council members cited scope concerns and the opportunity to coordinate a larger downtown package if the parcel acquisition is completed.
Next steps: Staff and the DDA will review the design and scope, and engineering will proceed with additional investigations (structural and geotechnical) during the construction-document phase. Council directed staff to return with the revised scope and budget for a future vote.
